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8151 Peters Road, Suite 4000Plantation, FL 33324
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Truck Accident Lawyer Fort Lauderdale
Truck accidents can be traumatic and life-altering for all involved. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of such crashes can be immense, and the aftermath is often confusing and overwhelming for victims and families.
If you or someone you love experienced an accident with a commercial truck in Fort Lauderdale, you don't have to face it alone. Morgan & Morgan’s dedicated Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf, giving you the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
We could help you receive damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, income losses, and more. Contact us now for a free and confidential evaluation of your case.
The Six Most Common Causes of Fort Lauderdale Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks can pose a significant risk to other motorists in Fort Lauderdale. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), commercial truck accidents result in thousands of fatalities and injuries yearly. In 2020, almost 5,000 individuals were killed in crashes nationwide involving large trucks. 71% of victims were occupants of other vehicles. The six most common causes of truck accidents include:
1. Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the primary causes of accidents involving commercial trucks. Truck drivers often work long hours, making it challenging to stay alert and focused on the road. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented regulations to reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue, some drivers exceed the maximum number of hours allowed by law, putting themselves and others at risk.
2. Improper Maintenance
Improper maintenance of commercial trucks can cause tragic accidents due to brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other defects. Trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their safety and prevent issues that could cause crashes. However, some trucking companies cut corners, putting their drivers and the general public in danger.
3. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents involving commercial trucks. Truck drivers may be distracted by electronic devices, such as:
- Cellphones
- Tablets
- Radios
Drivers can also be distracted by eating and drinking while driving or reaching for something on the passenger side or in the back of the cab. Taking their focus away from the road increases the risk of tragic accidents.
4. Overloading
Overloading or improperly loading cargo into a truck can cause accidents with other vehicles. An overloaded or imbalanced truck can be more difficult to control and increases the risk of tire blowouts, steering failures, brake malfunctioning, and other problems. In addition, improperly loaded cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, making it more likely to tip over when turning or during a sudden maneuver.
5. Speeding
Truck drivers often work tight schedules, and trucking companies may rush their drivers, which can significantly increase the risk of accidents. A truck traveling at high speeds takes longer to stop, and the driver has less time to react to changing traffic and road conditions. Therefore, speeding can increase the risk of rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and other types of accidents.
6. Improper Training
Improper training of drivers can contribute to catastrophic truck accidents. Truck drivers must be trained in defensive driving, handling the truck in adverse weather conditions, and other critical skills required to operate the vehicle safely. However, some trucking companies fail to train drivers adequately. If you were hurt in a crash with an inexperienced truck driver, the trucking company might be responsible for compensating you.
Truck crashes can be challenging to understand, as many variables can lead to accidents. However, establishing liability can be critical if you are hurt in a crash with a commercial truck, as you could be entitled to damages. If you or a loved one was harmed in a truck accident, our experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers can determine who is responsible and help you take legal action.
Truck Accident Injuries
The size and weight of commercial trucks make them particularly dangerous in crashes, with accidents often resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Some of the most common injuries in truck accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - Truck accidents can result in severe head injuries due to the force of the impact. TBIs can cause permanent brain damage and long-term cognitive problems, such as memory loss and difficulty with speech and movement.
Spinal Cord Injury - The spine, particularly the spinal cord, is a vulnerable part of the body that is easily damaged in a truck accident. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis and long-term disabilities, such as quadriplegia and paraplegia.
Broken Bones - Fractures can be common in truck accidents and may range from simple breaks to compound fractures, sometimes resulting in permanent damage.
Burn Injuries - When a truck’s cargo ignites or the fuel tank explodes, fire can engulf the entire scene, potentially causing severe burn injuries and permanent disfigurement.
Internal Injuries - Truck accidents can cause life-threatening internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding. Internal injuries typically require emergency medical treatment.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, seek immediate medical help and consult an experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Determining Liability in Truck Accidents
Accidents with commercial trucks can be considerably more complex than car accidents, as they could involve numerous negligent parties and several avenues for recovering compensation, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A truck manufacturer
- The company responsible for loading cargo
Let’s look at the potential defendants in a truck accident lawsuit in detail:
The Truck Driver
If the driver in your accident was operating the truck negligently or violated state or federal trucking regulations, they could be held liable for your damages and injuries. A truck driver might be negligent if they were speeding, driving drunk, or driving distracted at the time of the crash.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company employing the driver may also be liable in a truck accident lawsuit. A company may be responsible for your damages if they:
- Failed to maintain the truck properly
- Failed to train the driver adequately
- Falsified log books
- Encouraged the driver to skip mandatory rest breaks
- Allowed the driver to operate the truck in violation of other regulations
A Truck Manufacturer
Sometimes, a truck or part manufacturer could be responsible for an accident if a defect caused the accident. For example, if a tire blowout occurred due to a mistake in the manufacturing process, the tire manufacturer could be liable for some or all of your damages.
The Company Responsible for Loading Cargo
The company or contractor loading the truck could be liable for your damages if the accident was caused by incorrectly loaded or secured cargo. For example, if a loose load shifted during transit, causing the vehicle to tip over or lose control, the loading company could be held liable for the crash.
A Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer Can Prove Liability
Understanding truck accidents may require considerable resources, including professional accident investigators and technical experts. Moreover, it can be challenging for individuals to obtain critical evidence, such as trucking company records or dash camera footage, without the help of an experienced attorney.
Therefore, consider working with a seasoned truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale if you were hurt in a truck accident. Morgan & Morgan’s tenacious lawyers have the resources and experience to determine to build a strong case for a compensation claim.
Compensation Truck Accident Victims in Fort Lauderdale Could Recover
Accidents with large and heavy commercial trucks rarely end well for car occupants, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and deaths. However, if you are affected, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, such as:
- Healthcare expenses
- Loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Modifications to your vehicle and home
- Loss of life quality
- Permanent disability
You could qualify for additional damages depending on your specific accident and circumstances.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If your loved one died in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, you might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and receive compensation. Damages you could receive may include, among others:
- Medical expenses before death
- Loss of companionship
- Burial and funeral costs
- Loss of income and benefits from the deceased
- Loss of services from the deceased
Morgan & Morgan can be your shoulder to lean on during the most difficult times in your life. Our compassionate Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers can help you file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Morgan & Morgan Fights for Victims of Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
If you or a loved one was harmed in a truck accident, you might ask yourself whether hiring a lawyer is worth it. Unless you experienced a minor crash without injuries, having an experienced attorney in your corner can be critical for receiving the settlement you need to pay your bills and get your life back on track.
Morgan & Morgan’s motivated truck accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale can fight for maximum compensation, especially when a powerful trucking company or the insurance company refuses an adequate payout for your injuries and expenses. Our experienced lawyers can:
- Walk you through your options and the next best steps
- Determine all at-fault parties in your truck accident
- Gather evidence to prove a trucking company or driver’s negligence
- Calculate your losses and future expected damages
- Work with crash reconstruction professionals to strengthen your case
- Negotiate a fair out-of-court settlement
- Fight for the compensation you deserve in court, if necessary
- Work for you for free unless and until you win and receive damages
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
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What Are My Next Best Steps After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
If you were involved in a truck accident, consider taking the following steps to protect your health and rights:
- Seek medical attention
- Dial 911 and wait for the police and emergency medical help
- Gather the names and contact details of all involved drivers and witnesses
- Take photos of the truck, including the license plate
- Take photos of the damage on vehicles, skid marks, and anything else that could help to reconstruct the crash
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Keep track of your accident-related expenses and gather receipts
- Get legal advice from a truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
Speak to an attorney to clarify your options, particularly if you suffered a severe or disabling injury. A truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can walk you through the legal process and fight for what you deserve.
How Much Is the Average Truck Accident Claim Worth?
Without looking at the circumstances of your specific accident and injuries, it can be challenging to determine its worth, as there is no average truck accident settlement amount. However, some factors can determine the value of your claim, including the following:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- Your prognosis
- Your medical expenses now and in the future
- The extent of your physical and emotional anguish
- Your loss of income and projected future income losses
If you recently experienced a truck accident and want to find out more, Morgan & Morgan is here for you 24/7. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers can assess your damages and determine the value of your truck accident case.
Get Started Now With a Free Case Review
Experiencing a truck accident can be a frightening experience that could throw you off course physically, mentally, and financially. However, if a trucking company or driver’s recklessness caused your accident and injuries, you deserve justice and adequate compensation.
Morgan & Morgan is here for you. Our truck accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale can fight tirelessly for your best interests. We never stop pursuing justice and compensation for the injured. Contact us for a free case evaluation today to determine your next best steps.
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